The 158th entry in the Mood Series turns inward, revisiting an important early chapter from grad_u with Laukiu Rytojaus. Originally recorded in 2006 and first released via Signorafranca, this reissue on Greyscale is not only a retrospective but also an intimate time capsule when our label head was defining his early stages of a now-recognisable sonic identity. What makes this release compelling isn't just its historical context as his second ever release, but how clearly it reveals grad_u's instincts way back then. While less rhythm-focused than his later work, the foundations of his ambient language are already present: restraint, atmosphere and depth. The title track, 'Laukiu Rytojaus', drifts in with a dreamlike softness. Floaty bass notes gently pulse beneath a hazy surface, while distant children's voices add an almost surreal emotional layer. It ebbs and flows with patience, never forcing momentum, instead dissolving as delicately as it began. 'Puiki Savaites Pabaiga' opens in near silence, led by bell tones that feel ceremonial, gradually joined by reflective chords. The interplay between these elements creates a meditative space-minimal, yet deeply expressive. It unfolds slowly, ending in a state of calm introspection. 'Atsiminimai Apie Vakar' closes the EP with a subtle lift in tone. Gentle chords carry a sense of optimism, while environmental sounds-crickets, birds-background the track in a natural setting. It sounds grounded and human, like a memory suspended in time. Laukiu Rytojaus is a meaningful revisit-both for longtime listeners and newcomers- giving us a look back to grad_u's beginnings.

The 159th Mood Series welcomes Chizawa Q with DeadDeadDead, a debut that sounds anything but tentative. Coming from a wide range of inspirations such as Tokyo's underground, Detroit's machine soul and European minimalism, the EP strikes a deep chord within three addictive tracks. With recent releases on R&S and an upcoming release on ARTS records, Chizawa Q is creating a strong buzz with his music. 'Deadstone' unfolds like a controlled ascent. Its structure is segmented yet fluid, moving through evolving phases where beats tighten, dissolve and re-emerge with a stronger purpose. The early interplay between sharp percussion and drifting chords definitely pull you in, but it's the subtle escalation like the subliminal builds that make it memorable. 'Deadhouse' puts the listener into a hypnotic and cavernous space. There's a quiet sophistication in its balance as a house beat influence flickers beneath a deep techno surface, never overpowering the atmosphere. 'Deadspace' sharpens the focus. The concise, propulsive chords are dramatic as it leads this aerodynamic dub techno killer. The pacing is tighter, transitions quicker, yet it never sacrifices depth. There's a sense of forward motion that gets the blood rushing in this dance floor burner. Across its three cuts, DeadDeadDead is refined and quietly powerful.